FEARS over the future of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment could also mean a massive shake-up for the Territorial Army in Huddersfield.

The role of the TA has already grown and become more important, and when the Dukes go out to Iraq in November, 25 TA soldiers are going as well.

At the beginning of this year units from the East and West Riding Regiment of the Territorial Army based in Huddersfield and Pontefract, were out in Iraq and will return as an independent unit.

But Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon's proposed cutbacks will mean a much different Territorial Army in the future.

Capt Barry Hey, the permanent staff administration officer based at the Huddersfield TA barracks in St Paul's Street, said he thinks the TA will become more and more important.

Huddersfield's TA centre was opened in 1901, having been funded by local mill owners and businessmen. It holds a wealth of photos chronicling the various campaigns, some of which Capt Hey has provided for the Examiner.

Capt Hey, 55, of Birkenshaw, a former Duke, predicts change ahead.

He said: "We are getting ready to send TA soldiers out to Iraq again in the autumn. They will have six weeks' training and then go out independently of any other regiment.

"The tour will last for nine months which is a very long time for these soldiers because they have civilian jobs which will have to be put on hold. I think this is the type of thing we will see more and more of in the future if the cutbacks Geoff Hoon has proposed go ahead.

"Of course, historically volunteer troops have always played a big role. TAs from Huddersfield have fought in all the major conflicts down the years."

But the role of the TA is not just increasing overseas. At home as well things are getting serious.

"Since September 11 home security has also been stepped up and if there was to be a terrorist attack, it would be up to us to help out," said Capt Hey.

"The pressure on police, fire and ambulance crews would be huge, so we are the back-up the regular Army would have provided in the past.

"I think the decision about the Dukes has already been made but it will be sad to lose them. There is so much history behind them and we have such strong links to the Dukes as well.

"But whether for better or worse, times are changing and the TAs will have to respond to that."

A final decision about the future of the 302-year-old Duke of Wellington's Regiment is due just before the troops, recruited heavily from Huddersfield, head out to act as a peacekeeping force in Iraq in November.